obama will travel to south africa next week for the memorial events for nelson mandela. the first major events for wednesday. we don't have the exact schedule yet, but set for wednesday at the 90,000 seat stadium there. the president will go there and stay for the funeral service on sunday as well in south africa. that's the latest from the live desk. >> we will also learn more about plans to honor nelson mandela here in the u.s. we expect him to talk about 90 minutes from now. you see his statement live on nbcwashington.com. the committee that deciding where a casino will go is hearing from the three companies competing for the game license. the committee is holding a hearing right now in annapolis. prince georges count you bureau chief is there and and we will have the latest this afternoon. >> the first family will flip the switch for the lighting of the national christmas tree. this is video of this morning's rehearsal, actress and comedian jane lynch is hosting and the preshow begins at 4:30. look for live coverage at 5:00 and 6:00 and on our website as well. what k